RED (Retired and Extremely Dangerous) is a silly, sometimes funny, action packed piece of popcorn entertainment. That’s not necessarily a bad thing either especially when you have such a game cast of veteran actors in it like this one.

Bruce Willis is Frank Moses, a former CIA operative who has been retired for many years. Frank goes about living his dull and hum drum life while flirting it up with a phone operator (Mary Louis Parker) who is our hero’s initially unwilling love interest.

Excitement comes back to his life when a task force is sent to his house to kill him. Frank takes them out in good old “John Mclane” style, picks up his love interest who he believes is also now in danger and then goes on a cross country trip to round up the rest of the geriatric gun toting gang that he used to work with.

The “old gang” includes his wizened old buddy played by Morgan Freeman, the lovably psychotic and paranoid John Malkovich (having way too much fun here), and the grand dame herself, Hellen Mirren.

Brian Cox also joins our group and has fun here as a cold war relic who has now warmed to his old enemies and has some kind of past relationship with Helen Mirren.

A CIA Agent (well played by Karl Urban) is hot on their tracks while Frank and his team look for answers as to why a hit has been ordered on them. The plot beyond this point does not hold much substance and the movie is really just an excuse to see all these veteran actors having fun shooting really large guns and blowing lots of things up–all of which they do very well.

The music score for the movie really bothered me as it sounded corny and outdated, especially when there are actually some really thrilling action sequences in this movie–which would have been elevated by a kick ass music score.

Overall, RED isn’t a movie that will be remembered much but still delivers the goods because of so many great actors cast in it that just have fun with their roles. It’s worth the trip to the cinema for that alone, so you can join in on the fun too. 3/5 stars.

Well if you want explosions, sex and violence then this is obviously not the movie for you.

The Social Network is a slow film that is built upon a very contemporary subject (Facebook now has over 500 million users), an excellent ensemble cast, good direction from David Fincher and a great music score from NIN’s very own Trent Reznor.

The film chronicles Mark Zuckerberg’s (played efficiently by Jesse Eisenberg) founding of Facebook in 2003 and the trials and tribulations along the way.

The film opens with Mark breaking up with his girlfriend Erika (Rooney Mara), while he is still a student at Harvard University. In retaliation Mark blogs nasty things about her and then gets the idea to create a website to rate the attractiveness of female undergraduates. He hacks into Harvard’s database and with the help of his best friend Eduardo Saverin, (Andrew Garfield in a stand out performance here) uses an algorithm to create a page called FaceMash where male students choose which of the girls is more attractive. The site becomes an instant success with over 22,000 hits but also results in part of Harvard’s Database crashing.

Mark’s popularity increases as a result of this and brings him to the attention of Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (a brilliant Armie Hammer in dual roles), who are identical twins that want Mark to help them program a new website that they have been planning.

Mark comes up with his own idea which is “The Facebook” and together with Eduardo he founds this. The Winklevoss twins accuse him of stealing their idea and come after him, eventually taking him to court.

In the meantime, The Facebook is expanding more and more, and Mark and Eduardo are introduced to the co-founder of Napster, Sean Parker ;(a solid Justin Timberlake), who although a bit of a party animal impresses Mark as he has the same vision of Facebook as he does. Eduardo however, does not share the same ideas so their relationship becomes strained.

The movie essentially revolves around the legal cases that Mark Zuckerberg had to go through while at the same time showing us the origin of Facebook in flashbacks. What makes the film entertaining is biting dialogue and exceptional performances. Jesse Eisenberg is good here, but the real stand outs are Andrew Garfield who brings a real depth of emotion to his character and Armie Hammer who is flat out hilarious as the Winklevoss twins.

While this film is a drama–and a slow one at that–the acting keeps you going and because the dialogue is so good you are caught up in the moment. There is actually a lot of humor in the film as well.

The Social Network is not really a movie I would see in the cinema as I go out to be “WOWED”, but it is a very fine piece of film making all round and a movie that certainly should be seen. 4/5 Stars.

96. Quadraphenia: The final cliff top scene when he drives the moped off the cliff to the welling background music of The Who’s “I’ve Had Enough/Love Reign Over me”.

97. Into The Wild: One of my all time favorite films. The apple scene was so quirky and original for me but the whole movie is a masterpiece in my eyes.

98. Major league: The “Wild Thing” scene with Charlie Sheen.

99. The Faculty: The scene where the kids walk through the school to the cover of “Another Brick in the Wall” and notice that everyone else has turned into aliens.

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100. Desperado: The intro scene with Steve Buscemi telling the story while it flashes to Antonio Banderas in action.

101. Reservoir Dogs: The famous walk as the movie begins (I can’t believe I left this one out earlier).

102. Bonnie & Clyde: The brutal ending where Bonnie & Clyde are mowed down by the cops, which was the first time violence had ever been depicted like that on the big screen and became an iconic image of violence in films ever since.

103. The Full Monty: The first strip tease with Robert Carlyle was comic genius.

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104. Good Morning Vietnam: The bittersweet ending where we see the horror of war while “What a Wonderful World” plays in the background.

105. Pretty in Pink: The Duckie dance scene.

106. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: The famous freeze frame ending where they charge out guns a blazing to the entire Bolivian Army.

107. Good Will Hunting: The bar scene with Ben Affleck and that preppy snob who gets gutted by Matt Damon’s brilliant monologue.

108. Groundhog Day: That hilarious scene when Bill Murray has been through everything so many times so he knows everything about everyone in the cafe.

109. The Blues Brothers: The scene when they perform “Everybody needs somebody to love”.

The “It’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses” speech from Dan Akroyd.

110. Zombieland: This is actually a great movie and had a particularly thrilling scene at the end when they take out hundreds of zombies to save the girls.

111. Donnie Darko: The whole movie is a total trip but the school scene while Tears for Fears “Head Over Heels” plays was by far the coolest and the cinematography is incredible.

112. Pans Labyrinth: Another film that is completely amazing, but the final sequence was very gripping and moving at the same time.

113. Where The Wild Things Are: The scene where Max is elected king and bellows “Let the wild Rumpus begin!”.

114. Back To The Future: The whole movie is dope (even 25 years later), but the ending was classic. “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need road!”

115. Stranger Than Fiction: That scene where Will Ferrel sings “Whole Wild World” surprisingly well and woos the girl was sweet!

The more you think about it there really are so many classic scenes from movies! I kept jotting them down on sticky tabs and so here is Part 2 of my list…I know I’m still missing many others!

46. Big Fish: That final sequence where the son tells his father the tall tale about his escape from hospital before he dies and then the funeral was extremely moving.

47. Raiders of the Lost Ark: Indie defeats the deadly swordsman the good ole’ fashioned way! (Fun Fact: This scene was original written to be a long sword fight, but Harrison Ford just shot the guy as a joke and Steven Spielberg loved it so much, he kept it in the movies!)

48. Bad Boys: That super cool slow motion sequence at the end when they get the bad guy.

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49. Grosse Point Blank: I absolutely loved the baby scene. It depicted a life changing moment for John Cusack’s character that was so beautifully done.

57. Braveheart: The final scene where Mel Gibson is executed and screams freedom as his last words. Very powerful.

58. Gladiator: The final scene as Russell Crowe gives out his orders before dying and then joins his wife and son in the afterlife. Very powerful.

59. The Abyss: The scene when Mary Elisabeth Monstrano has drowned and Ed Harris will not give up in resuscitating her.

60. Jay and Silent Bob Strikes back: Seriously though, that final sequence as Jay and Bob fly all over the country beating up the people that dissed them to the tune of Stroke 9’s “Kick Some Ass” is pure comic genius!

61. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective: The whole scene in the Mental Institution where Jim Carrey does the slow motion football impression and rewind.

62. Philadelphia: The final scene with after Tom Hanks dies and all his family and friends are at the wake and then we close in on his old home video footage. Very moving.

63. Boy ZN Hood: The scene where Ricky gets killed was so tragic and brilliantly shot.

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64. The Rock: The awesome shoot out scene in the showers where the Marines kill all the Navy Seals.

65. Untouchables: A very underrated classic, this movie has 2 scenes that stand out for me:

The shoot out sequence with Kevin Costner and Andy Garcia as the pram falls down the stairs in slow motion was awesome.

The scene where Sean Connery is killed was especially gut wrenching as we see Robert De Niro’s Al Pacino with tears of joy as he gets the noise and listens to the soprano.

66. Saving Private Ryan: The incredible sequence depicting the storming of Omaha Beach during World War II is probably the most graphic and realistic war scene ever shot in film.

67. Dumb and Dumber: That ridiculous ending with the hot girls in the bus! Jim Carrey: “You’ll have to excuse my friend, he’s a little slow…the town is back that way!” Hilarious!

Okay, join in on the fun folks! This is just a listing (with clips! *) of memorable movie moments from some of my favorite films. This took me ages to compile so I sure hope you enjoy. Some are brutal, some are emotional and powerful, some are just plain funny and heartwarming. I consider each of these CLASSIC scenes from cinematic history.

I am sure there are MANY more–What are yours?

* Alas, many of the clips below have been disconnected so you can’t see them all on my blog–HOWEVER you can go to youtube to watch them which I URGE you to do–and then return back to my site! 🙂

1. True Romance: The conversation between Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken about sicilians. Probably my favorite scene in movie history.

2. Heat: The confrontation in the cafe between Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Two powerhouse actors together for the first time in film history.

5. Terminator 2: Judgement Day: The end scene when Arnold lowers himself into the molten lava to destroy himself. Okay, I admit it–even this scene makes me choke up every time I see that damn thumbs up.

6. The Matrix: The martial arts training fight scene between Neo and Morpheus.

The final fight scene between Neo and Agent smith, when it is confirmed that he is the One:

The last voiceover scene and then Neo flying into the sky. Badass!

7. Tropic Thunder: The whole opening sequence parodying Platoon which is not only funny but a seriously intense battle sequence.

Tom Cruise as Les Grossman = a new iconic figure was born.

8. Platoon: The scene when William Dafoe gets gunned down as the chopper takes off above.

9. The Truman Show: The scene when Jim Carrey stops the traffic in the road, first realizing his reality is all a show.

10. Good Will Hunting: Ben Affleck arriving at Matt Damon’s house only to find he is gone and his note saying he has “gone to find out about a girl” to Robin Williams.

The break up scene with Matt Damon and Minnie Driver is so raw and riveting too.

11. Love Actually: The scene with the young love sick boy as he chases after his girlfriend through the airport before she leaves.

No clip available 😦

12. Crocodile Dundee: The final scene in the subway with the girl relaying messages through others and Paul Hogan climbing over everyone to get to her.

Also the “that’s not a knife, this is a knife” scene.

13. Pulp Fiction: The dance between Uma Thurman and John Travolta.

The shot to the heart needle scene after Mia Wallace overdoses.

14. Reservoir Dogs: The stand off toward the end and resultant bloody shoot out.

15. Dead Poet’s Society: The emotional send off of Robin Williams as Ethan Hawke and the others stand on the tables chanting “oh captain, my captain”.

16. Magnolia: The powerhouse performance from Tom Cruise specifically when he breaks down at his fathers death bed.

Also the montage of all the main characters singing together to Aimee Manns Wise up was truly mesmerizing.

17. The Fellowship of the Ring: The scene when gandalf falls. So emotional and the soundtrack is amazing.

The fight sequence between Aragorn and the orc at the end and the death of boromir.

18. The Two Towers: The battle of Helms deep.

19. The Return of the King: Each of the the multiple endings, but specifically when Gandalf and Frodo leave. Had me weeping like a little baby. I won’t deny it and neither should you!

21. Return of the Jedi: Darth Vader redeeming himself and saving Luke’s life by throwing the emperor overboard and then finally taking his helmet off.

22. Point Break: The chase sequence and Keanu firing his gun into the air when he realizes the robber is Patrick Swayze. Awesome.

Also the epic end sequence at the beach during the 50 year wave: Cops to Keanu Reeves: We’ll get him when he comes back in! Keanu Reeves to cops: He won’t be coming back.

23. The Usual Suspects: That damn ending! Keyzer Soze: “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled, was convincing the world he didn’t exist and like that, he’s gone.” Then just a blank screen. Chilling! I still remember my exact words after the first time I saw that: WTF?!?

and the final scene as the buildings come tumbling down while Pixies “Where is my Mind” plays.

25. Observe and Report: The fight sequence between the mall cops and Police Force

and the chase sequence between Seth Rogen and the Streaker while Pixies “Where is my mind” also plays!

no clip i’m afraid 😦

Beating up the skateboarders scene was epic too.

26. The Last of The Mohicans: That whole final sequence that is shot in one go when the sister’s lover is burned at the stake, she jumps off the mountain, the bad guy kills the good son and then the father kills the bad guy. Utterly gripping and one of the most incredible sequences ever shot like that.

27. 12 Monkeys: Bruce Willis being shot as he runs through the airport and sees himself as a child. Mind bender.

FRINGE is a mind numbing, time bending and thrilling new television show from J.J. Abrams the creator of Lost and Alias. His involvement alone, made me want to check this show out. However, I only got round to it recently and as soon as I did I was hooked in. I’ve caught up on Season 1 and 2 (all 45 episodes), to make it just in time for the Season 3 premiere on September 23 2010. There were Losties so now I guess there are Fringies!

The show follows the exploits of special agent Olivia Dunham (newcomer Anna Torv who is a real find here), Mad Scientist Walter Bishop, (John Noble who brings a fantastic blend of tongue in cheek humor to the show) and his son, Jack of all trades, Peter Bishop, (played solidly by Joshua Jackson).

This team is part of an FBI “Fringe” Division based in Boston Massachusetts under the supervision of Homeland Security. The team uses unorthodox “Fringe” science and FBI investigative techniques to investigate a series of unexplained, often ghastly occurrences that are happening all over the world.

This show is like a hybrid of The X Files and The Twilight Zone–which I say as a compliment since both shows are classics of the 80s and 90s respectively.

While Fringe has a very definite overall plot which unravels slowly as each episode plays out, what is convenient about this show, is that you do not necessarily have to follow every single episode in sequence in order to know what is going on and enjoy it. Each episode starts with a specific mystery and ends with them solving it. My recommendation of course would be to stick with it through to the end as there are plenty of twists and turns here thus far to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I have to mention, that what kept me watching this show the most is the beautiful Australian actress Anna Torv, who plays the lead role. This is her first major feature and not only does she illuminate the screen–she owns it. I’ll be keeping my eye on her for the duration of Fringe and beyond.

In the meantime, I’m just happy to get my weekly dosage of Fringe. A show that although is not a fully satisfying replacement for Lost just yet–is still thoroughly original and entertaining nevertheless. 4/5 stars.